The Judiciary plans to set up 100 small claims courts in the next five years across the country, Chief Justice Martha Koome has disclosed.

CJ Koome said the move aims at promoting economic development through access to efficient commercial justice.

“We are keen on having 100 fully established Small Claims Courts in the country within the next five years,” Koome said

“The roll out strategy for these courts envisages that we will start from Nairobi and Border Towns before we move to other urban areas,” she added

The spoke on Monday during ta partners roundtable meeting on Social Transformation Through Access to Justice (STAJ) Vision at the Safari Park hotel.

The CJ acknowledged support by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and IDLO which have expressed their intention to support the roll out of the Small Claims Courts in border towns.

Koome, who is also the President of the Supreme Court said the Judiciary will be rolling out more SGBV courts in hotspot areas noting that one such court has already been established in Shanzu, Mombasa County.

“These courts will be trauma informed courts with the facilities and personnel who can guarantee justice to victims in a manner that responsive to their needs and sensitivities,” the CJ stated

In addition, Koome said the Judiciary is keen on ensuring children have access to a safe and secure justice system.

“We are working towards rolling out child friendly courts around the country and supporting Alternative Justice systems(AJS) mechanisms to resolve children matters in a rights respecting manner.”